U.S. Sen. Max Baucus renewed his criticism of a U.S. Postal Service study, which could shift mail processing to Great Falls and possibly delay in-town mail.

In a letter to USPS vice president William Galligan, Baucus said the study has proceeded without the input of local communities, business people and other affected parties. The senator said staff had received unsatisfactory and unacceptable answers to their questions.

Baucus said adequate public notice to communities potentially affected by a decision must be made available for input. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, has proposed such measures in a postal service reform bill.

"The postal identity and post mark that is so important for the Capitol city of Helena must be a priority," Baucus wrote.

A decrease in first-class mail volume is one reason for the potential change, according to USPS information, which is studying similar proposals around the country.

USPS officials have said Great Falls has more automated machines, and most letters are bound for places outside of Helena. No jobs will be lost, but some may be shifted.

USPS marketing manager Debbie Persico of Billings said recently the study is continuing. The agency has up to six months to complete its work, she said.